Inside the newly opened The StandardX, Melbourne hotel

It’s the first of its kind in the world, so naturally, this Fitzroy hotel is setting its own standards.

Back in 1999, hotelier André Balazs opened the first Standard Hotel on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. With its live models in the lobby’s glass vitrine, a DJ booth at the front desk and affordable prices, it soon became the place to stay and party, even for the celebrity set. Standard Hotels opened all over the world – the New York iteration straddling the High Line was briefly famous thanks to exhibitionists displaying their wares through the full-length windows to the strolling crowds below – but it’s taken 25 years for the brand to reach Australian shores.

Well, kind of. StandardX is the little sister of the original Standard. It’s not quite as brash, and nowhere near as party-hard. This far more subtle offshoot is perfectly suited to its locale in one of Melbourne’s coolest neighbourhoods and offers visitors an attractive alternative to the average CBD stay.

Here’s everything to know about the newly-opened The StandardX, Melbourne.

Location

It’s one of Melbourne’s favourite suburbs, for both locals and travellers. Fitzroy has a few famous streets – Gertrude and Smith, which it shares with Collingwood – but the StandardX is only a hundred metres from the best-known: Brunswick Street. In every direction, there are restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, galleries and just about everything else you could possibly want to visit.

Plus, on weekends, the Rose St Artist’s Market next door displays the original creations of local designers and makers. The tram into the city is only a couple of minutes’ walk away.

Style and character

The eye-catching, rusted exterior, designed by Woods Bagot, looks as if it has been part of the neighbourhood for decades. That’s the overall vibe you get from this new-build hotel, even though, when I visit, it’s only been open for days. From the welcoming staff members at check-in to expanses of lush greenery, the StandardX Melbourne feels established.

Imagine you gave your friend with impeccable taste a healthy budget to create a stylish yet modern space for people to hang out. That’s the feeling downstairs in the public spaces designed by Hecker Phelan.

Custom and vintage furniture is used throughout the lobby, the adjoining Bang restaurant and in an almost hidden Loft area, complete with a fireplace. Throughout there are art books to peruse and peaceful corners where you can sit and work. Artist Sarah Smalltown’s mega macrame, used here to wrap cement pylons, adds texture and a hand-crafted element to the sleek finish.

Facilities

There’s no gym or pool, although the hotel has an agreement with one of the local 24-hour facilities for those who want to work out. It’s also just a short walk to the Fitzroy Swimming Pool – on summer weekends, it’s quite the scene. Guests can also access the rooftop, with its Mexican casa fit-out and views of the city.

Rooms

At first glance, you might not think the rooms are particularly special. Apart from the blue-and-white striped carpet, they’re understated, with white and cream tones dominating. Look closer, however, and the details shine. At the base of a terracotta-coloured locker that hides the mini bar is a rounded silver shape, designed to prevent kicked toes on a bare metal leg in the middle of the night.

There’s a tiny, fluoro artwork by Jane Sinclair and a foldaway ledge, where you can set up your laptop to work. Bathroom walls of fluted glass offer equal parts privacy and natural light. Within, there are full-size bottles of Davines products.

The hotel has 125 rooms in total, ranging from Cozy King to Suite Spot. My King View is on level six (of seven), and I spend some quality time watching the streets around me and admiring the view of the city skyline. And, praise be, the windows can be opened.

Food and drink

It’s all about Thai street food influences at BANG on the ground floor. Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya (formerly of Aman Resorts) is sending out dishes like blue swimmer crab pa tong ko donuts, roast pressed duck red curry and white boy noodles, a play on char kway teow with crab and lobster bisque. The punchy flavours are an excellent match to signature cocktails like the Going Incognito (vodka, lychee liqueur, lime) and Koh Ma Phrao (coconut milk, creamy chai, white rum, spiced rum, lime).

At breakfast, guests can order mango sticky rice, turmeric and ginger porridge, coconut fried eggs and prawn siu mai, or a more traditionally Western take on the day’s first meal.

The Box, near check-in and open 24 hours, is essentially your mini bar. It’s stocked with local wine, beers and spirits, Hunted + Gathered chocolate made in Richmond, tubs of ice cream churned by the hotel’s pastry chef and other snacks, as well as books supplied by Bookshop by Uro and clothes made in collaboration with Saint Cloud.

As soon as summer rolls around, Mercado Medellin will open for guests only, serving Mexican eats and drinks on the rooftop.

Accessibility

The Cozy Suites have enough room around the bed for a wheelchair and the showers are roll-in. Lifts and facilities are also accessible.

Family-friendly?

There’s no reason you couldn’t bring the kids, but they’ll be sharing your bed. Cots are available; rollaway beds are not. If your family is furry, tell the booking team. You’ll get a pet waiver to sign at check-in, and a bowl, bed and treats will be supplied.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, families, and design-savvy travellers.
Address: 62 Rose Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne VIC
Cost: From $224 per night.

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